A Capital Read: Paul Doiron
A Capital Read is a “one book” community read project spearheaded by Lithgow Library, and sponsored by the Friends of Lithgow Library. We offer this program to:
- Deepen the appreciation for literature through reading, discussion, activities and events related to our chosen title
- Enhance the feeling of community in our diverse city, and
- Demonstrate the power of libraries to bring people together
We are pleased to announce, after a 6-year hiatus, that this year’s title is “The Poacher’s Son,” by Paul Doiron. Paul Doiron is a best-selling author and “The Poacher’s Son,” his first book in the Mike Bowditch series, won the Barry Award and the Strand Critics Award and was nominated for an Edgar for Best First Novel.
Copies of the book are available to check out at Lithgow, and the author will be giving a talk at Jewett Hall at the University of Maine at Augusta on Wednesday, September 27th from 6:30 – 7:30PM. Cocktail hour and book signing will be held in the Danforth Art Gallery at UMA from 5:30 – 6:30PM. Books will be available for purchase.
Registration is required. Please click here to register.
Other events and programs based on themes of the book will also be offered during the month of September. Check back for more details.
To request a copy of the book, call us at 626-2415 or through https://minerva.maine.edu/
Boutique Book Bags
Allow a Lithgow Library staff member to select some reading material for you. Each bag will contain one or two checked out library book(s) based on criteria you select. It will also include an assortment of goodies that you get to keep!
Please note that this service is ONLY for adults ages 18 and over that have a
library card. If you do not have a card, you can sign up for one at the Library’s
circulation desk. We will contact you once your bag is ready to be picked up.
Please click here to fill out the form and sign up!
You are able to fill out the form once a month to request a new bag.
Downeast Brass Quintet Concert
The Downeast Brass Quintet will present a concert of Maine themed songs in the Community Meeting Room on Monday, September 18, 6:30 p.m.
This popular band is comprised of five highly experienced musicians from Southern and Central Maine. They enjoy playing a wide range of styles, from classical to Dixieland, and from parades to wedding ceremonies. As music educators, they seek to reach audiences of all ages with original and entertaining programming.
This event is free and open to all.
Do you need assistance using Email?
The National Digital Equity Center, a non-profit organization which provides Digital Literacy classes, is offering a 2-session class on Email Basics.
Learn the basics of using email in this class. We will look at navigating, composing, replying, working with attachments and more, with hands-on class participation.
September 22nd from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Community Meeting Room
The class will be interactive, so please bring your device and be prepared to login to your email account.
There are only 6 available spots, so registration is required.
To register, please first fill out the NDEC Enrollment Form.
Next, Reserve Your Spot.
Need help registering? Give us a call at the library, stop by the reference desk, or email reference@lithgowlibrary.org and we can help you.
Do you need assistance using your Android device?
The National Digital Equity Center, a non-profit organization which provides Digital Literacy classes, is offering a 3-session class on Android Basics. This class will help you get started with your Android device, learn how to use essential applications like email, contacts, camera, and Chrome, and manage your settings.
October 3rd from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Community Meeting Room
October 4th from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Community Meeting Room
October 5th from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Community Meeting Room
The class will be interactive, so please bring your Android tablet or phone, and any questions you may have.
There are only 10 available spots, so registration is required.
To register, please first fill out the NDEC Enrollment Form.
Next, Reserve Your Spot.
Need help registering? Give us a call at the library, stop by the reference desk, or email reference@lithgowlibrary.org and we can help you.
Do you need assistance using your iPhone?
The National Digital Equity Center, a non-profit organization which provides Digital Literacy classes, is offering a class on iPhone Basics.
This course covers the basics of how to use Apple’s popular iPhone. This class starts with the basics of how to log on using multiple methods from passcode to touch id to face recognition technology. Apple’s iCloud service will be discussed, including how it will help secure your data and allow your data to be used across multiple Apple devices. The App Store will be covered to find additional applications that may meet your varied interest and needs
October 10th from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm in the Community Meeting Room
The class will be interactive, so please bring your iPhone.
There are only 10 available spots, so registration is required.
To register, please first fill out the NDEC Enrollment Form.
Next, Reserve Your Spot.
Need help registering? Give us a call at the library, stop by the reference desk, or email reference@lithgowlibrary.org and we can help you.
Organizing Your Genealogy Research
Saturday, November 4th at 10 a.m. in the Community Meeting Room
Genealogy is a lot of fun, but keeping track of all those ancestors and your research can be challenging. Join Karen to learn about some tips and tools for staying organized on paper and on your computer.
This program is free and open to all.
Technology Help
Do you need assistance using technology?
Alana is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. by appointment only.
She can assist you on one of our public computers or you can bring in your own device (laptop, tablet, phone, etc.). Appointments are 30 minutes long.
Please have one or two specific tasks in mind such as how to use the Cloud Library, how to print from your device, how to set up an email account etc. in order to make the most of the 30 minutes. Alana can also direct you to classes and resources that may be beneficial for more extensive help. Please note that this is not technology repair. Alana can show you how to use your device, but she cannot fix it.
Sign up at the reference desk in-person or over the phone, or email reference@lithgowlibrary.org with your name and the task and/or device you need assistance with. We kindly ask that you make only one appointment per week to ensure others have a chance to book.
Lithgow Library Book Club
2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm in the Community Meeting Room
Join Lithgow Library’s Book Club for its monthly discussion. Click HERE for details on upcoming titles + dates.
Adventure 365 Challenge 2023 for Adult Readers
Ongoing through December 2023 on the Lithgow Beanstack Reading App
Readers 18-and-older can log their reading throughout the year (2023) and earn badges. Those reader who complete their year-long challenge will receive a prize in December.
Your Reading Adventure Awaits!
Career Help at the Library
Fridays, 10am – 1pm
Need help finding a job? Free help is available! A Career Center consultant will be at the Library’s Community Meeting Room to assist your job search needs. Bring your questions and ideas to this drop-in session for expert help.
Augusta Age-Friendly Committee
First Tuesday of Every Month at 5:30pm
The City of Augusta is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities which is an institutional affiliate of the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities & Communities. The local group seeks to implement new programs to make the community more age-friendly. If you want to share ideas or want more information, attend one of the monthly meetings in the Library Community Meeting Room.
Lithgow Cribbage Club
Returns on Friday, September 1st
Enjoy a fun time with other local cribbage players at the Library in our Board Room every Friday from 1-4.
This program is free, and players of all ages and abilities are welcome. Boards, pegs and cards are provided.
Reserve a Museum or Park Pass
The Library offers Lithgow cardholders passes to several Maine museums + parks. Click HERE to browse the list + reserve your pass. Be sure to check hours open, visitor requirements and pass details.
Augusta COVID Vaccination & Testing Availability
For COVID vaccine & testing information, including links to free COVID rapid self-tests, click HERE.
For Maine CDC information about COVID treatment, click HERE.
Lithgow offers mobile hotspots for home Internet
Do you have a device like a laptop, a tablet, or a phone, but no Internet at home? Lithgow now loans mobile hotspots so you can have wifi at home. Click HERE for FAQs.
Lithgow Library is there for you in-person + online
Lithgow continues to adapt to these changing times. The building is open and most in-person services are available.
Some services, such as programming, may be offered as either an in-person/virtual hybrid, or as online only.
Masks are encouraged for those not vaccinated/boosted or who want to use them in a public setting. Masks are available if you need one. If you are compromised or have special needs, please phone us (626.2416) to discuss how we may accommodate you to meet your library needs.
If you can’t make it to the library building, Lithgow offers a variety of ways to serve you:
- Phone us (626.2415)
- Email a librarian (reference@lithgowlibrary.org or kids@lithgowlibrary.org)
- Live Chat (quick reference chat on our homepage)
- Free Public Wifi (Lithgow_Public) is available during business hours, password-free from our parking lot & library grounds
- Online Resources available through our website (check out Hoopla, CloudLibrary, DigitalMaine, & other streaming & online resources), participate in a virtual program, or access a number of health, community, youth, adult & small business resources to keep you informed, educated or entertained.
Lithgow-to-Go
Request + pick up your titles curbside!
- Use the Minerva online catalog to find the items you want & place an online request
- Or phone to have a librarian help you find & reserve the items you want
- We’ll notify you when we have the titles in-hand and they’re ready for check out
- When you’re parked in our lot, phone us (207.626.2415)
- Wait in your car while we place the items in a bag on the table outside the front door
- Once the staff has returned to the building, pick up your order